Aaron Rodgers doesn't see growth as much as consistency from Detroit Lions DT Ndamukong Suh

AP PhotoDetroit Lions DT Ndamukong Suh has a better understanding of how opponents are trying to defend him, which has led to one of his most dominant stretches as a professional.

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is arguably playing the best football of his professional career.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers doesn't necessarily see a better player on film -- but rather one who is becoming more consistent with experience.

"I think to say growth might be a disservice to him," Rodgers said. "I think he's been an elite player for a while now. I don't see growth. I think when you get to the level that he's at, I think you start to call it consistency because you're just doing the things that you've been doing at a high level for an extended period of time."

Suh's on pace for 48 tackles and eight sacks, which would be his best statistical output since his rookie campaign, when he posted 66 stops while dropping opposing quarterbacks 10 times.

What's not accounted for is the consistent pass-rush pressure the defensive tackle is generating. According to Pro Football Focus, Suh hurried opposing quarterbacks 24 times as a rookie. This season, four games in, he's already racked up 22 hurries.

"In my rookie year, I was reacting to whatever I saw and just using my athletic ability," Suh said. "Now, I get to use my athletic ability as well my mental ability, knowing what I have at hand and how things are most likely to play out."

"From a technical standpoint, I think he does a very good job recognizing stance," McCarthy said. "His anticipation, how you can see him try to take advantage of matchups and so forth, which way you're sliding the line. He's just a very aware, instinctive football player who is obviously very talented."